After awhile, you learn
The subtle difference between
Holding a hand and chaining the soul.

And you learn love doesn't mean security,
and you begin to learn
That kisses arn't contracts,
And presents arn't promices.

And you begin to accept your defeats
With your eyes wide open
With the grace of a woman,
Not the grief of a child.

And you learn to build
All your roads on today,
Because tomorrow's ground
Is too uncertain.

And futures have a way
Of falling down in midflight.

After awhile you learn that even
Sunshine burns if you get to much.

So you plant your own garden
And decorate your own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone
To bring you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure.
That you really are strong.

And you learn and learn,
With every goodby you learn.

~Author Unknown~